Bucket list experience:
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
Croatia has a long history of winemaking, stretching back some 2,500 years, with many indigenous grape varieties still in use. It’s also home to the oak forests that produce most of the oak casks favoured by wine producers across Europe.
A one-hour drive up the coast from Dubrovnik lies Peljesac, a mountainous peninsula where the velvety red Plavac and award-winning Dingac wines are produced on the sunny sea-facing slopes.
Several vineyards are open for wine tasting during the summer, normally offering three to five different wines to sample, with the producer sometimes present to tell you about the history and process of the craft.
If you are driving, stop at Mali Ston – it’s famed throughout Croatia for succulent oysters and mussels, which are served at several local waterside restaurants.
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Destination Guide >Many people visit on organised excursions from Dubrovnik, but it’s easy to do it independently by hiring a car and driving up the coast to Peljesac. Follow the coastal road (route 8) and turn off onto the Peljesac peninsula (route 414). Make sure you contact the wineries you wish to visit in advance, and double check when they are open.
Most vineyards offer platters of small savoury snacks during tastings. Vinarija Bartulovic can also provide a full meal of Dalmatian specialities (order one day in advance).
Most of the vineyards are open all year round. Like other attractions in Dalmatia, the vineyards mainly attract visitors during the peak season (July-August). The grape harvest takes place in September, which is a fascinating time to visit.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[52.4 miles]
Homely B&B, in a peaceful walled garden (with a pool) where breakfast is served, near Dubrovnik’s Gruž port.
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Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[53 miles]
A luxury hotel overlooking a magnificent cove with its own a pebble beach, a fine dining restaurant and excellent spa, an easy 15-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s old town.
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Dubrovnik, Dalamatia, Croatia[53 miles]
A stylish beachfront hotel that offers the perfect escape from the busy city, with a private beach, four restaurants and glorious sea views.
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Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[54.1 miles]
Dignified 19th-century hotel, next to the old town’s main entrance, with a garden restaurant and spa with indoor pool.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatia, Croatia
A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings
Dalmatia, Croatia
Dazzling Dubrovnik offers UNESCO-listed heritage set against the pure blue backdrop of the Adriatic.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[13.6 miles]
A traditional Dalmatian village, famous across Croatia for oysters served in restaurants overlooking a sheltered bay. A scenic drive north of Dubrovnik.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4
Mljet, Dalmatia, Croatia[15.3 miles]
A remote island national park with pristine forests for hiking and biking, and emerald-blue saltwater lakes you can kayak on or swim in.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
